In memory of Nicholas (From Lancashire Telegraph)

In memory of Nicholas

11:28am Monday 14th May 2007 in News By David Bartlett

FOOTBALL fans have helped provide a lasting legacy for a boy who died of a degenerative brain disease.

And the family of three-year-old Nicholas Robinson have said: "The work he has done, the love he has given and received, the difference he has made - in a hundred years he could not have done more."

They spoke after hundreds of Blackburn Rovers fans donated to a collection in his memory before the 3-3 draw against Reading at Ewood Park yesterday.

Nicholas, of Beech Road, Great Harwood, was struck down with Alpers' Disease, a rare genetic disorder which causes the brain to kill off its cells, resulting in an increasing loss of skills and awareness at the age of two.

He lost the use of his limbs and was no longer able to walk, talk or even smile. He died at Royal Blackburn Hospital on Thursday night with his family by his side.

In January, friends and family set up a website with the hope of raising £100,000 to make practical adaptations to Nicholas' home, including access for a wheelchair.

The appeal has raised more than £18,000 already and his grandmother, Sonia Robinson, said the appeal would continue and the money would be donated to Derian House children's hospice, near Chorley, and the Rainbow Trust, which helped the family with respite care.

The family's collection yesterday raised £1,637. A family statement said: "Nicholas suffered for 18 months, his seizures were persistent and his condition deteriorated until Thursday when Nicholas closed his eyes and went to sleep forever - his family all around him. In his short life Nicholas has touched the hearts and lives of so many people.

"The Nicholas Appeal, launched by friends of the family to help Nicholas, will continue in his name, as a memorial tribute to the incredibly brave, strong and beautiful boy that we love so much.

"In this way we can help other children and families in need, and Nicholas will live on and never be forgotten. Nicholas has gone home to God and we will love and miss him forever."

The family thanked Dr Richard Newton and the neurological team at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Dr Karl Rakshi and staff at the Childrens' Medical Unit, Royal Blackburn Hospital, Derian House for its vital and continuing support, and The Rainbow Trust.

They also praised Blackburn Rovers, who she said had been extremely supportive.

Striker Paul Gallagher was touched when he visited Nicholas in hospital.

And striker Matt Derbyshire said: "A lot of the lads saw Nicholas and saw that he was a battler and a warrior for his family.

"We are all very proud of him, he will be missed very much."